Most researchers and experts strongly believe that myths, half-truths and lies are weaker than facts. It follows that populist parties and politicians peddling such fictions will ultimately disappoint their supporters. Oliver Geden and Lars Brozus beg to differ.

The murder of an Italian academic one year ago was yet another tragic reminder that it is barely possible to conduct independent research in Egypt these days. But German and European policies on Egypt rely on scholarly analyses, say Stephan Roll and Lars Brozus.

From the very outset, Egypt's President Sisi has pursued policies of exclusion and polarisation. It is time for the EU to hold him to account and ensure that any aid granted is made contingent upon political inclusion and better governance, say Stephan Roll and Lars Brozus.